Evelyn pierrepont



No. 607,950. Patented July 26, I898.

E. PIERBEPONT.

SHIELD FDR CORNS.

(Application filed Aug. 23, 1897.)

(No Model.)

Wi/imsses rrn EVELYN PIERREPONT, on LoNDoN, ENGLAND.

SHIELD FOR corms;

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 607,950, dated July 26, 1898.

Application filed August 23, 1897. Serial No. 649,234. (No model.)

T0 04% whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EVELYN PIERREPONT, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Bank Chambers, Cockspur street, London, England, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Shields or Protectors for Oorn's,'Bunions, or the Like; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

My invention relates to an improved shield or protector for bunions, corns, and other similar affections of the human body.

It has long been known that bunions and the like may be advantageously treated and in some cases partially cured by relieving the affected part of the pressure of the boot or other article of clothing compressing it; but this remedy in the form hitherto applied, consisting, essentially, of a ring of felt or similar material having a hole at the center corresponding to the core of the corn or the center of the bunion, has afforded but little relief, principally for the reason that the parts are kept dry and a certain amount of irritation and consequent inflammation is induced by the means adopted to relieve the same. My invention is designed to obviate these drawbacks and to supply an improved shield or protective device which will exercise the requisite amount of pressure upon the bunion and at the right position upon the same, While retaining the natural moisture of the body, and consequentlyinducing the skin of the affected part to remain soft, and thus assist the absorption of the swelling. In the case of come the hard core gradually becomes softened and easily removable, and the pressure being relieved it does not return, and the skin gradually resumes its natural condition.

Where requisite, I assist the action of the device by certain medicated applications, embrocations, ointments, or the like, inserted in the hollow space under the center thereof.

In carrying my invention into effect I provide a flexible unperforated shield having an annular cushion secured thereto in such a manner that when placed in position on the corn or bunion pressure from the boot or outer covering of the part affected is applied in a ring around the center of the said part, the pressure being arranged to diminish toward the center of the shield, so that a very gentle pressure will be applied at the point of the corn or center of the bunion, although at the same time the part is completely inclosed by the shield. The cushion consists of a series of concentric or other rings or rows of projections of soft vulcanized rubber of such depth and stiffness as to graduate the pressure on and around the corn or bunion in the desired manner to effect the end in view.

The shape of the protector may vary according to the part to which it is to be applied. In the case of large and painful bunions orenlarged joints it is advisable to take a casting or mold of the part and to construct a shield fitted accurately thereto. In the case ofsmallerbunions the protector may be constructed in stock sizes, one of which will be applicable to the same without special fitting.

By the use of myimproved shield the most inveterate and painful bunion, enlarged joints, and the like may be subjected to a gentle pressure, decreasing at the middle to a verymuch reduced pressure, and the impervious shield retains the Whole of the natural moisture of the parts and keeps the same in a condition most favorable for the gradual absorption of'the morbid growth and the restoration of the natural condition of the part.

My invention is also applicable for the relief of coins. In this case specially-fitted shields are not usually required, but the relief of pressure on the core of the corn and the keeping moist of its surface soon render it removable and allow the skin to resume its natural condition. It is sometimes advisable, however, to fix a loop to two edges'of the protector or shield,by which it may be maintained in proper position on the foot or toe.

Although I have found the best results hitherto from the use of vulcanized rubber, such' as is applied to molded articles in other industries, yet I may use any suitable substance which is flexible and impervious to moisture-such as skin,prepared leather, or the like-for the purpose.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a section of my improvedshield. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same.

The surface of the shield is so molded. that cushion comprising a series of annular concentric projecting ribs secured to the shield surrounding the center for the purposes set I5 forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name'to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EVELYN PIERREPONT.

WVitnesses:

FREDERICK WILLIAM LE TALL, FRED C. HARRIS. 

